Cebu Pacific, Airbus, and Pratt & Whitney held an official ceremony to commemorate a binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed for CEB’s purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft for an estimated US $24 billion based on list prices, the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history.

The MOU covers firm orders for up to 102 A321neo, plus 50 A320neo family purchase rights. CEB has selected Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines to power the future aircraft.

“The order is designed to give Cebu Pacific the flexibility to choose between the A321neo and A320neo aircraft as needed, helping us adapt to market changes,” said Michael Szucs, chief executive officer of CEB. “This deal is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to make air travel more accessible and affordable for everyone while supporting the Philippine growth story.”

Airbus said the MOU is a testament to the airline's confidence in its products and a positive signal for the aviation industry's recovery.

“We thank Cebu Pacific for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products. These latest-generation aircraft will enable the carrier to reduce its operating costs and continue to offer low fares in a competitive market environment. We look forward to continuing to work with the airline as it builds on its position as one of the leading low-cost carriers in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president sales of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.

Pratt & Whitney expressed gratitude for CEB’s continued confidence in the GTF engine, which the airline initially selected in 2012.

“This latest order demonstrates the growing opportunities for aviation in the Philippines and the larger Asia Pacific region,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “Our GTF engine will power this growth while delivering industry-leading fuel efficiency and sustainability benefits for single-aisle aircraft. Cebu Pacific’s order attests to the value it provides.”

The purchase agreement to finalize this transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year.

READ: Boeing forecasts 44,000 aircraft over 20 years.

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